locked out

USAGE SUMMARY

"locked out" is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a situation in which someone is unable to gain access to a physical location, such as a building or room, because the door is locked or access is restricted. For example: "I was locked out of my office when I forgot my keys at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Locked out?," my son asked.

The New York Times

Locked out but holding together in Ravenswood.

Cornell University

The players have been locked out since July 1.

The New York Times - Sports

The angry feel locked out from growth.

The New York Times

Why have NBA stars been locked out?

The Guardian - Sport

I don't want to be locked out".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Gelb again threatened to lock out the unions.

The New Yorker

The N.H.L. began locking out its players yesterday.

The New Yorker

Hey, can we lock out all the sports at once?

The New York Times

This practice locks out young people without connections.

The Guardian

How does Vista lock out other providers?

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "locked out" in a professional context, ensure clarity about whether it refers to physical access or metaphorical exclusion from opportunities or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "locked out" when a more specific term like "blocked", "restricted", or "denied" would more accurately convey the nature of the access issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "locked out" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically the past participle of the phrasal verb "lock out". Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing a state of being excluded, either physically or metaphorically.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "locked out" is a versatile verb phrase indicating exclusion or denial of access, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and commonly used, particularly in news and media. While its register is mostly neutral, context dictates its specific application. Use it to vividly describe situations where access is barred, be it physical or metaphorical. Remember to consider if a more specific term might be more accurate, and leverage the power of Ludwig AI to find examples of usage in real-world contexts to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excluded

Focuses on the state of being prevented from participating or being included.

denied access

Emphasizes the refusal of entry or permission.

prevented from entering

Highlights the action of stopping someone from going inside.

shut out

Suggests a more forceful or abrupt exclusion.

barred from entry

Implies a legal or official prohibition.

not allowed in

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the inability to enter.

refused admittance

Formal way of saying access was not granted.

kept out

Focuses on the action of maintaining someone's exclusion.

unable to access

Highlights the lack of ability to gain entry or use something.

left outside

Emphasizes the physical location of being excluded.

FAQs

How can I use "locked out" in a sentence?

You can use "locked out" to describe being unable to enter a place, like "I was locked out of my apartment". It can also describe being excluded from something, like "Many homebuyers are "priced out" of the market".

What's the difference between "locked out" and "shut out"?

"Locked out" typically refers to being physically unable to enter a place, while "shut out" can also mean being excluded or ignored in a more general sense. For example, "They felt "shut out" from the conversation".

What can I say instead of "locked out"?

Alternatives include "excluded", "denied access", or "prevented from entering", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I'm locked out of my account"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. "Locked out" can apply to both physical spaces and digital accounts, indicating that you're unable to access your account due to a password issue or security measure.